Expanding on (and seconding) the Black Merda vote, see if you can track down the Chains and Black Exhaust compilation. It's not quite the slow-burning soul you describe, but if you don't enjoy it, I'll eat my hat.

Also, I highly recommend the 2-disc set "Funky Disposition: The Best of The Propositions."

You can also get a lot of underlooked and well constructed compilations from the Luv n' Haight imprint of Ubiquity Records. It got started as crate digging at the legendary Groove Merchant record store. And speaking of Groove Merchant, pick up "Trippin': The Groover Merchant Compilation" from Luv n' Haight. It's outstanding, beginning to end.

http://www.ubiquityrecords.com/luvNhaight_comps.html


And if you don't know Chicago's own Syl Johnson, look into him. He's great.

Ty Webb wrote:And if you don't know Chicago's own Syl Johnson, look into him. He's great.

Syl Johnson wrote:Give me!
Ms. Fine Brown Frame
Any other kinda woman
Just ain't - my - thing

My copy of this album has what look like blood stains on the sleeve.

Angus Jung wrote:Check out James Carr if you haven't already.

My favorite soul singer, bar none.

Also, Sam & Dave kick ass. Don't let their Blues Brothers reification scare you off.

You might also enjoy Arthur Alexander, Arthur Conley, and Solomon Burke.

Thanks guys, looks like I've got plenty to look into. But keep 'em coming, the more the better.

get the stuff i recommended first.

Ty Webb wrote:Expanding on (and seconding) the Black Merda vote, see if you can track down the Chains and Black Exhaust compilation. It's not quite the slow-burning soul you describe, but if you don't enjoy it, I'll eat my hat.

every person I've played/burned that Chains & Black Exhaust comp for has praised it. It's an incredible collection.

I will suggest in addition to the "Beg Scream & Shout" box, the "What It Is?!" compilation Rhino just released. Heavy soul and funk from the 60s and 70s.

serious heat.

just (finally) ordered the 45 of edwin starr's "running back and forth", which has been in my head for six fucking months. for some reason this track isn't included on most starr "best of..." compilations, even though it was the b-side to one of his hits, "time". i heartily recommend this.

right now i'm listening to a shitty real audio clip of "love, love, love", which, despite the terrible sound quality, still gives me a real heavy feeling, especially when bobby hebbs sings, "sweet love is all around you / though love itself is vain / in love there's so much pleaure / and yet there's so much pain".

Ty Webb wrote:Expanding on (and seconding) the Black Merda vote, see if you can track down the Chains and Black Exhaust compilation. It's not quite the slow-burning soul you describe, but if you don't enjoy it, I'll eat my hat.

i am so glad this was already mentioned. this comp rules.

i can't get enough of curtis mayfield's self-titled record.